Only one tailgate option. Why?

[lukefrisbee]

I

The tailgate appears to have a notched step on left and right side of tailgate. Coupled with the squat, it appears this is the way they addressed stepping up. The step is near the controls on either side of the vault.

I think those cut-outs are put there so Tesla can say, "We made a place for you to put your foot so you would not bust your ass slipping off the bed because it had a slant to the edge."
I really don't expect there to be a 45 degree angle to the side of the tailgate.
I'd prefer they would cut a toe-hold out on the side, down as low as they could go next to the tailgate.

 

[Keeney]

Imagine how much it is going to hurt banging a shin or a knee on those acute edges of the tailgate. The pointy corners of the sides of the bed when open are also right at face level.

 

[John K]

If you reverse with the tailgate down, you can clear brush and scoop it up into the bed for removal.

Or, if you are preparing for the zombie apocalypse, clear those walkers.

 

[Hydrocharging]

I too don’t see much need for an integral ramp. Would not be a problem to carry a folding ramp on the few occasions that it is needed. How about a step ladder that pulls out of the side of the tail gate like drawer and hinges to the ground. The tail gate looks thick enough and you would be able to have a pull out grab handle at the top of the mating surface of the bed sidewall. Could also be used when long loads extend over tail gate.

 

[Jhodgesatmb]

I look forward to the ramp.

 

[Sirfun]

I too don’t see much need for an integral ramp. Would not be a problem to carry a folding ramp on the few occasions that it is needed. How about a step ladder that pulls out of the side of the tail gate like drawer and hinges to the ground. The tail gate looks thick enough and you would be able to have a pull out grab handle at the top of the mating surface of the bed sidewall. Could also be used when long loads extend over tail gate.

Imagine the truck squats down and with the ramp, allows easy access for a wheel barrow or anybody to walk in and get supply's out of the bed. Or if you're moving, it would be extremely convenient. Having a ramp that is not attached can be a disaster. Crissa wants a ramp to put her Zero in the CT. I wanna ride my mountain bike into the bed. Actually if the back of the CT opens up it could be wheel chair access. It's an aluminum ramp, I can't imagine many cons for a built in ramp.

 

[Jhodgesatmb]

Imagine the truck squats down and with the ramp, allows easy access for a wheel barrow or anybody to walk in and get supply's out of the bed. Or if you're moving, it would be extremely convenient. Having a ramp that is not attached can be a disaster. Crissa wants a ramp to put her Zero in the CT. I wanna ride my mountain bike into the bed. Actually if the back of the CT opens up it could be wheel chair access. It's an aluminum ramp, I can't imagine many cons for a built in ramp.

When Hans rode the quad into the CT at the reveal, the truck was crouched down as low as it can go and the ramp still had quite and angle to it. Yes, you can ride a motorcycle up it, but I don't know about a mountain bike, or even an ebike. I furniture dolly maybe, but not walking up it. I have an external ramp for my dogs that I put in the back of my RX and it is a pain in the ass and takes up space. But very useful for the dogs.

 

[Frank W]

I disagree...it’s fine for a mountain bike. ?
FYI: I don’t endorse doing this!

https://gearjunkie.com/banff-mountain-film-festival-virtual

 

[SpaceYooper]

I look forward to the ramp.

As do I. External portable ramps don't sound like a hassle, until you actually have to use them...and then store them somewhere when you're not using them.

My only suggestion is to somehow make sure the surface won't be slippery when wet. The current version of the CT ramp looks like it would be slick when wet.

 

[SpaceYooper]

When Hans rode the quad into the CT at the reveal, the truck was crouched down as low as it can go and the ramp still had quite and angle to it.

The ramp images on the CT web page don't look steep at all. I'd definitely say less steep then my current portable ramps.

 

[Luke42]

The tailgate appears to have a notched step on left and right side of tailgate. Coupled with the squat, it appears this is the way they addressed stepping up. The step is near the controls on either side of the vault.

That notch is usually where the cable that holds up the open tailgate goes.

It's also a little high to be a step on most trucks.

This is what other trucks look like:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gea...5/gmc-multipro-tailgate-review-1-1220x813.jpg
The cable which goes at 45° is what I'm referring to.

My mind automatically filled in that cable when I saw the gap on the CT rendering. It's very simple and very strong. I'm on my forth pick up truck, and I've never had a problem with this mechanism.

Fancier trucks might include a gas strut or something like that to create a soft open feeling.

There's a lot to be said for the very simple approach -- and I just assumed that the open space on the side of the the tailgate was for this super-simple works-every-day-for-decades attachment point.

 

[BillyGee]

What's going to be cool for me is using the ramp and lift features to use loading docks.

Any idea what thebheigh clearance will be for the bed and ramp?

 

[ldjessee]

As do I. External portable ramps don't sound like a hassle, until you actually have to use them...and then store them somewhere when you're not using them.

My only suggestion is to somehow make sure the surface won't be slippery when wet. The current version of the CT ramp looks like it would be slick when wet.

My solution was going to be skateboard grip tape (or heavy tread, like industrial stairs, grip tape).

That stuff works with oil and hydraulic fluid on it...

 

[Sirfun]

My solution was going to be skateboard grip tape (or heavy tread, like industrial stairs, grip tape).

That stuff works with oil and hydraulic fluid on it...

Yep, you run it vertically on a ramp and it's awesome.

https://www.amazon.com/EdenProducts...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

[Bigvbear]

This.....